Australia Unveils World-First Biodegradable Foot and Mouth Disease Vaccine

A world-first, biodegradable vaccine to protect livestock from foot and mouth disease (FMD) has been developed through a $20 million, five-year research partnership between Meat & Livestock Australia, Tiba Biotech, and the NSW Government. This breakthrough vaccine will see Australia become one of the few nations with the capacity to produce its own vaccine against the disease.

FMD is a highly contagious viral disease affecting cattle, sheep, goats, and pigs, and is endemic in parts of Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. While Australia remains free of the disease, the Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences (ABARES) warns an outbreak could cost the economy up to $80 billion, devastate exports, and severely impact farm productivity.

Developed in less than 18 months at a cost of $2.5 million, the synthetic mRNA vaccine can be produced quickly without using infectious material - making it safer and faster to manufacture.

Recent overseas trials showed vaccinated cattle exposed to FMD did not contract or spread the disease.

The vaccine can be stored long-term at standard refrigeration temperatures and for at least one month at room temperature - an advantage in on-farm applications. It is now undergoing further testing to meet Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority standards for potential emergency use.

Meat & Livestock Australia Managing Director Michael Crowley said the development was a proactive step in managing biosecurity risks.

“While we hope it is never needed, this research confirms the Australian livestock industry is prepared,” he said.

NSW Agriculture Minister Tara Moriarty said local vaccine manufacturing was vital to safeguarding the state’s livestock industries, economy, and food supply.

“If diseases like Foot and Mouth entered the country, it would cause major disruptions and catastrophic market impacts,” she said.

Tiba Biotech CFO Peter McGrath said the company was proud to help secure the future of animal health.

“Livestock mRNA vaccines offer a safe, efficient, and effective approach to enhancing animal health, benefiting both the agricultural industry and consumers,” he said.

NSW DPI virology expert Dr Peter Kirkland said the vaccine would allow Australia to differentiate between vaccinated and infected animals, helping restore domestic production and trade more quickly after an outbreak.

“Delivering the first mRNA livestock vaccine shows the way for the nation’s research sector,” he said.